--- Charles D Hixson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Simulation is a new word. In this context, let's use an old word. > Maya. Have the Buddhist countries and societies gone away? > And let's use an old word for "reality". Heaven. Have the Christian > countries and societies gone away? > > Perhaps you need to rethink your suppositions.
There is a difference between believing logically that the universe is simulated, and acting on those beliefs. The latter is not possible because of the way our brains are programmed. If you really believed that pain was not real, you would not try to avoid it. You can't do that. I can accept that a simulation is the best explanation for why the universe exists, but that doesn't change how I interact with it. I accept that my brain is programmed so that certain conflicting beliefs cannot be resolved, so I don't try. Too strong a belief in heaven is not healthy. It is what motivates kamikaze pilots and suicide bombers. Religion has thrived because it teaches rules that maximize reproduction, such as prohibiting sexual activity for any other purpose. -- Matt Mahoney, [EMAIL PROTECTED] ----- This list is sponsored by AGIRI: http://www.agiri.org/email To unsubscribe or change your options, please go to: http://v2.listbox.com/member/?member_id=4007604&id_secret=85267245-5352fa
